Question : FM RADIO SERVICES

(a) Whether some new companies are entering FM radio services;

(b) Whether some apprehension has been expressed that some of these new companies have links with Pakistani intelligence outfit, ISI or Afghan and Islamic Fundamentalists;

(c) If so, the steps the Government propose to take to ensure that FM radio channels are not misused either for directly broadcasting anti-national propaganda material or to use the frequency to set up an extensive communication network between the subversive outfits;

(d) Whether there is any proposal to scrutinise the credentials of these companies through IB, RAW etc.; and

(e) If so, the details thereof?

MINISTER OF STATE OF THE MINISTRY OF INFORMATION AND BROADCASTING AND MINISTER OF STATE OF THE DEPARTMENT OF DISINVESTMENT

(SHRI ARUN JAITLEY)

(a): Yes, Sir.

(b): Reports have appeared in the press regarding some of the applicant companies having links with subversive outfits.

(c), (d) & (e): As per procedure laid down, operational licence will be issued only after obtaining security clearance from Ministry of Home Affairs. Further, the following provisions have been made in the Tender condition to safeguard national security interests:-

(i) the Government reserves the right to take over the entire services and networks of the licencee or revoke / terminate / suspend the licence in the interest of national security or in the event of a national emergency / war or low intensity conflict or similar type of situations. Further, the Government reserves the right to direct the licencee to close down the service if implications of security so requires.

(i) The Government reserves the right to modify at any time the terms and conditions of this licence if it is necessary to do so in the interests of the general public or for the proper conduct of broadcasting or for security considerations and reasons.